Six more states adopt SNAP junk‑food bans
USDA approved new waivers Wednesday for Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee to restrict the use of SNAP benefits for items like soda, energy drinks, certain juices, prepared desserts and candy, with most rules taking effect Jan. 1. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins framed the move as part of the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, and HHS official Mehmet Oz said states adopting bans will receive extra funds, bringing the total number of participating states to 18.
📌 Key Facts
- USDA/Secretary Brooke Rollins announced waivers for six states on Dec. 10, 2025.
- Restrictions cover non‑nutritious items; specifics vary by state, most start Jan. 1.
- HHS’s Mehmet Oz said participating states will get extra funding; ~42 million people used SNAP monthly in FY2024.
📊 Relevant Data
In FY2023, Non-Hispanic White individuals made up 35.4% of SNAP participants, Non-Hispanic African American individuals 25.7%, Hispanic individuals (any race) 15.6%, Non-Hispanic Asian individuals 3.9%, Non-Hispanic Native American individuals 1.3%, and multiple races (Non-Hispanic) 1.0%, with 17.0% unknown.
Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2023 — USDA
Compared to population shares (2024 US Census: Non-Hispanic White 58.9%, Black 13.6%, Hispanic 19.1%, Asian 6.3%), African Americans are overrepresented in SNAP (25.7% vs. 13.6% of population), while Non-Hispanic Whites are underrepresented (35.4% vs. 58.9%).
U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: United States — U.S. Census Bureau
In 2022-2024, adult obesity prevalence was 49.9% for Non-Hispanic Black adults, 45.6% for Hispanic adults, 41.4% for Non-Hispanic White adults, and 16.1% for Non-Hispanic Asian adults.
In FY2023, 6.0% of SNAP households included any noncitizen, indicating that the vast majority of SNAP recipients are U.S. citizens.
Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2023 — USDA